Washington, D.C. (February 28, 2023)—“The Agriculture Workforce Coalition (AWC) is deeply concerned about the Department of Labor’s publication of the new methodology to calculate the Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR) for the H-2A program. The new calculation dramatically increases costs for producers utilizing the program and will place an undue burden on family farms which are already facing a multitude of challenges, including the impact of high input costs, foreign competition, market volatility, and adverse weather. It will make it difficult for farmers to remain competitive and will serve only to further increase costs for domestically produced agricultural products.

“The AWC urges Congress to act without delay on ag workforce reform legislation. Farmers are committed to paying their employees a fair wage. The way the wage has and continues to be set is flawed and needs to be revised through provisions to reform the H-2A guest worker program, including the wage calculation.”

About the Agriculture Workforce Coalition
The Agriculture Workforce Coalition (AWC) unites over 70 organizations representing the diverse needs of agricultural employers across the country. AWC serves as the unified voice of agriculture in the effort to ensure that America’s farmers, ranchers and growers have access to a stable and secure workforce.

The steering committee of the AWC consists of: American Farm Bureau Federation, AmericanHort, Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association, National Council of Agricultural Employers, National Council of Farmer Cooperatives, National Farmers Union, National Milk Producers Federation, National Pork Producers Council, National Potato Council, USA Farmers, U.S. Apple Association, United Fresh Produce Association, and Western Growers Association.

To learn more about AWC, visit our website at www.agworkforcecoalition.org.